Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the perioperative period: current controversies and concerns.

Joshi, Girish P; Kehlet, Henrik; Lobo, Dileep N · Br J Anaesth · 2025

Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2-specific inhibitors provide significant analgesic and opioid-sparing benefits. However, these analgesics are commonly avoided owing to concerns of potential adverse effects. The evidence for NSAID-related adverse effects is conflicting and of poor quality, and these analgesics are safer than what has been implied. Thus, it is imperative that NSAIDs or COX-2-specific inhibitors are administered routinely unless there are well-founded contraindications.

Medical subject headings